Official UK procurement notice
Life Sciences Equipment - Cagewash, IVC and Decontamination
Authority: University of Sussex (Education)
What is being bought5 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionThis opportunity is for supply and installation of life sciences decontamination equipment, IVCs, racks and related goods at The University of Sussex.
This opportunity is split into five lots.
The University of Sussex ("the Authority") is planning refurbishment works to its' Biomedical Research Facility. The refurbishment programme includes the provision of IVCs, racks and related equipment, and the supply and installation of decontamination and cleaning equipment.
The University is therefore seeking willing and able organisations to supply and install equipment as part of this refurbishment programme.
Successful bidders will be required to co-ordinate with the Works Contractor to deliver and install the equipment on-site during the refurbishment.
Due to the commercially sensitive nature of the specifications, Participants must first complete and return the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) provided with this Invitation to Tender before being issued with the specification documents.
The Tender documents can be accessed on Proactis under ref# UOSREQ1000374.
CPV: Installation services of laboratory equipment · Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)
Lots and requirements (5)Procurement structure
5 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lotLot #1Rack or Cabinet WasherPublished value£0
This Lot is split into two sub-lots. The Authority intends to award either Lot 1a (Option1) or Lot 1b (Option 2).
Lot #2Bedding StationPublished value£0
Lot #3Bottle de-capping & processingPublished value£0
Bottle de-capping & processing equipment.
Lot #4VHP and Air SowerPublished value£0
Lot #5Racking systemPublished value£0
Racking system with IVCs, AHUs and Change Station
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published sub-criteria (2)
- Technical: 40%
- Commercial Offer: 60%
Published award criteria (2)
- Commercial Offer
- Technical
No conditions of participation were published on the notice; check the tender documents.
- Price carries 60 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 6 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Competition analysis · published record, not a forecast of who will bid
How University of Sussex buys Installation services of laboratory equipment (CPV 5143), and who usually turns up
University of Sussex’s own published record, next to the published market for the same work. Frameworks and DPS are kept out: they attract a different number of bids. Whole-market view: Installation services of laboratory equipment (CPV 5143) →
How the contest usually goes
Winner shares use published awards; bid and price charts use contested lots.
i
How often small and medium firms win.
Share of awards where the winner’s size is known.
The counts under this question show how many awards have a known supplier size.
Small firms have won here. Neither number says whether you qualify; it describes who has been winning.
i
How often local firms win similar work.
Winners with a registered address in the delivery region, out of awards with a known address.
Here, local means the winner is registered in the region where that contract was delivered.
A local branch does not count if the registered address is elsewhere.
Most of this buyer’s recorded winners are registered outside South East England.
i
How long buyers here take to decide after bids close.
Middle value in days from the deadline to the first award notice, on competitions that published both dates.
Only decided tenders count, so slow ones still waiting are not in.
Half of these awards were announced within 61 days of the bid deadline.
i
How often work is awarded with no recorded rival.
Direct awards and tenders where every published lot count shows one bid.
Both shares are minimums: some awards have no bid count.
Thin markets produce this too; it is not proof of a tailored specification.
Direct awards or one recorded bid are common here. Check the route before spending time on a bid.
How many bids did past lots attract?
i
How many bids past lots received.
Each colour is a bid-count range. Only competed lots with a published count are included.
Past bids do not predict this tender.
1 bid0% / 23%
2–350% / 38%
4–617% / 23%
7+33% / 15%
How did awards compare with estimates?
i
Where winning prices landed against estimates.
Each colour shows awards below, close to or above the published estimate, one lot at a time.
Past prices are a guide, not a bid price.
Below estimate80% / 56%
Within ±2%0% / 33%
Above estimate20% / 11%
Assess each lot i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
Open a lot for its forecast, this buyer’s previous supplier and possible competitors, from published award history, not a bid list
Lot #1Rack or Cabinet WasherCPV 51430000No real estimate
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid7%
2–318%
4–643%
7+32%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2.9m13 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 2 live · £462k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 27% below n=2 | |
| £98k23 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 2 live · £130k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £57k6 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 2 live · £37k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £2.8m5 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 1 live · £727k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 30% above n=1 | |
| £93k2 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 1 live · £50k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
Lot #2Bedding StationCPV 51430000No real estimate
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid9%
2–318%
4–643%
7+30%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £10m6 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 1 live · £29k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £4.8m48 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 17 live · £775k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 12% below n=2 | |
| £76k1 awards in 36m · last 4 months ago | 1 live · £76k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £759k4 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 3 live · £759k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £176k6 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 3 live · £586k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 34% below n=1 |
Lot #3Bottle de-capping & processingCPV 51430000No real estimate
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid9%
2–320%
4–644%
7+27%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4.8m48 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 17 live · £775k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 12% below n=2 | |
| £1.4m11 awards in 36m · last this month | 4 live · £144k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £176k6 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 3 live · £586k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 34% below n=1 | |
| £93k2 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 1 live · £50k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £15k1 awards in 36m · last 3 months ago | 1 live · £15k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
Lot #4VHP and Air SowerCPV 51430000No real estimate
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid9%
2–320%
4–644%
7+27%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4.8m48 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 17 live · £775k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 12% below n=2 | |
| £1.4m11 awards in 36m · last this month | 4 live · £144k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £76k1 awards in 36m · last 4 months ago | 1 live · £76k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £176k6 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 3 live · £586k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 34% below n=1 | |
| £93k2 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 1 live · £50k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
Lot #5Racking systemCPV 51430000No real estimate
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid7%
2–318%
4–643%
7+31%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4.8m48 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 17 live · £775k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 12% below n=2 | |
| £1.4m11 awards in 36m · last this month | 4 live · £144k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £759k4 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 3 live · £759k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| £176k6 awards in 36m · last 1 months ago | 3 live · £586k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | 34% below n=1 | |
| £93k2 awards in 36m · last 2 months ago | 1 live · £50k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
About this data
- Source. Official UK public procurement notices (Find a Tender), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. New notices arrive through the day; the figures are rebuilt nightly.
- Two views, kept apart. The authority’s own track record and the wider market for the same kind of work sit side by side and are never mixed. Where the local picture is too thin, a figure widens to a broader market and says which one it used.
- Forecasts are labelled. The price forecast and its range, possible competitors and the earlier-work matches are our estimates from past awards: not published facts, not win chances and not price advice. Official notices do not say who is bidding.
- Every figure shows what it rests on. Not every notice publishes a bid count, a value or a delivery region, so each figure carries the number of records behind it, and one built on few records is marked as such. The on a figure explains it; the counting rules are in the methodology. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Goods
- Notice status
- Open for tender
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Standard
- Commercial structure
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 26 Jun 2025, 09:51 BST
- Last source update
- 19 Oct 2026, 11:31 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 1 Feb 2027
- Authority reference
US_25259- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-098133- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-0553e2Find a Tender
How to participate & submission route
Official notice Submit via ProContract (Due North)- Requests to participate (first stage)
- —
- Tender submission deadline
- 16 Nov 2026, 16:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 30 Oct 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Participants will need to register with Proactis to tender a bid:
Timeline
26 Jun 2025 → 1 Mar 2027 · 8 dates- Planning notice published26 Jun 2025, 09:51 BST
- Market engagement10 Jul 2025, 23:59 BST
- Contracting Authority Details
Name: University of Sussex
Address: Sussex House, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH
Contact Point: Claire Hutchinson
________________________________________
- Description of Intended Procurement
Title: Cage and rack washer for the Biomedical Research Facility (BRF).
Estimated Value: Approx. £423,502 (inclusive of VAT)
Procurement Type: Supply, installation, and commissioning of laboratory equipment
CPV Code(s): 38434540 - Biomedical Equipment Additional CPV Code 42920000 - Industrial Cleaning Machinery
________________________________________
- Purpose of the Engagement
The University of Sussex is undertaking preliminary market engagement to better understand the availability of equipment solutions that can meet a specific set of technical and structural constraints within our Biomedical Research Facility.
We are particularly interested in cage and rack washers capable of operating within a 100mm maximum pit depth, due to the presence of significant structural constraints that preclude deeper pit depths and structural alterations.
This notice is issued to:
- Seek information from suppliers about their capability to meet these requirements.
- Understand any technical or commercial developments in the market that may affect the procurement approach.
- Assess whether a competitive process remains viable or whether the technical constraints may lead to a compliant direct award.
________________________________________
- Market Engagement Format
Interested suppliers are invited to respond in writing to the questions set out in Section 6 below. Responses may be followed up with clarification calls or site visits if required.
This is not a call for competition. Participation in this engagement is voluntary and will not affect the supplier's ability to participate in any future procurement.
________________________________________
- Background Information
The BRF is a live, regulated facility with significant architectural constraints. A structural engineering investigation has confirmed that modifying the pit depth (currently 100mm) would require substantial and disruptive structural interventions. We are therefore exploring whether compliant cage and rack washers exist that function fully within this constraint.
________________________________________
- Information Requested from Suppliers
Please respond to the following:
- Do you offer a cage and rack washer capable of operating within a maximum 100mm pit depth?
- What are the design, manufacturing, installation, weight and maintenance requirements for your solution?
- Have you supplied similar solutions in constrained laboratory or animal research environments?
- Can your equipment design be modified to meet unique spatial constraints?
- Are you aware of any comparable installations in the UK or EU where pit depth has been a limiting factor?
Please include relevant brochures, technical drawings, and references as appropriate.
________________________________________
- Timeline for Responses
Responses should be submitted by: 10th July
Send responses to: [email protected]
________________________________________
- Confidentiality and Further Engagement
All information shared during this process will be treated in confidence and used solely to inform the University's procurement strategy. A formal procurement notice will be issued in due course if a competitive procedure is pursued.
________________________________________
- Disclaimer
This notice does not constitute a commitment to any future procurement process. The University reserves the right to revise its requirements and/or proceed via direct award where lawful grounds (e.g., Regulation 41 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2023) can be robustly demonstrated.
- Tender notice published5 days ago16 Oct 2026, 15:53 BST
- Latest notice published2 days ago19 Oct 2026, 11:31 BST
- Today21 Oct 2026
- Clarification questions byin 9 days30 Oct 2026, 17:00 GMT
- Submission deadlinein 26 days16 Nov 2026, 16:00 GMT
- Award decision expected byin 103 days1 Feb 2027, 23:59 GMT
- Contract startsin 130 days1 Mar 2027
Notice history
7 events · 4 releases on Find a Tender · since 26 Jun 2025- Preliminary market engagement notice published26 Jun 2025, 09:51 BSTUK2
- Tender notice published16 Oct 2026, 15:53 BSTUK4
- Status changed to active16 Oct 2026, 15:53 BST
- Procurement method changed16 Oct 2026, 15:53 BST
- Deadline published: 16 Nov 2026, 16:00 GMT16 Oct 2026, 15:53 BST
- Tender notice published16 Oct 2026, 16:23 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published19 Oct 2026, 11:31 BSTUK4
Published amendments (2)
Tender ref# on Proactis corrected to 'UOSREQ1000361'
Due to a technical problem with Proactis the documents had to be re-issued. The ref# on Proactis Supplier Network has now updated to UOSREQ1000374.
Routine re-releases (4)
- 2025-06: 1 release · 26 Jun 2025
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Nothing awarded yet- Awards (0)
- No award published
- Contracts (0)
- No contract published
- Bid statistics
- No aggregate bid statistics published
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (5)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
- Bidding documents and specifications The Tender documents can be accessed on Proactis under ref# UOSREQ1000374. This is available to all in the 'Opportunities' tab. Participants will need to register with Proactis in order to tender a bid.
Notices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender